Pedro Sola controversy sparks advertiser pullout from TV Azteca's Ventaneando

Pedro Sola, a longtime presenter of TV Azteca’s entertainment show Ventaneando, sparked a national backlash after stating live on air that he “wanted to throw a piece of poisoned meat” at dogs seen in pet‑friendly stores and restaurants. The remark, which also included threats toward owners, was condemned as incitement to animal cruelty.

Sola issued an on‑air apology the next day, saying he had spoken without thinking and did not support violence against animals. Nevertheless, the controversy led several advertisers to withdraw their spots from the program. Brands owned by Mondelēz International – Panditas, Halls, Clorets and Trident – announced they would stop sponsoring Ventaneando, citing a “zero‑tolerance policy for any form of animal mistreatment.” Hellmann’s also publicly distanced itself from Sola’s comments.

Animal‑rights groups filed criminal complaints alleging apologia of cruelty, and petitions on Change.org gathered more than 100 000 signatures demanding Sola’s removal and the cancellation of the show. TV Azteca and host Pati Chapoy have not yet confirmed any personnel changes, while the owner Ricardo Salinas Pliego condemned the statements as unacceptable.